Robert Lewis Snipes

1949 - 2025

Robert (Bob) Lewis Snipes, 76, of Columbus, Georgia, peacefully passed away at his home on November 1, 2025. Family and friends are invited to stop by and share their fondest memories at a Celebration of Life honoring Bob to be held on Tuesday, December 16, 2025, from 5:30–8:30 p.m. at the Maple Ridge Club House, 4700 Maple Ridge Trail, Columbus, GA 31909.

Bob was born on March 3, 1949, in Columbus, Georgia, where he spent nearly all his life serving his community, building his career, and cherishing time with his family. He was a proud graduate of Central High School (Class of 1967), where his athletic ability earned him a basketball scholarship to Columbus College (now Columbus State University). He graduated in 1971, later earning his Juris Doctorate from Woodrow Wilson College of Law in Atlanta, Georgia, in 1980, attending law school at night while working full-time at International Harvester and supporting his young family.

A dedicated professional, Bob was an Attorney at Law and co-founder of Snipes & Snipes, LLP, where he worked side by side with his brother, David Snipes, for over 40 years. Together, they built a law practice founded on fairness, compassion, and integrity. Bob was admired by clients and colleagues alike for his wisdom and unwavering commitment to helping others.

Bob shared a loving marriage of 34 years with his devoted wife, Tracy Leigh Snipes. Their relationship was built on laughter, patience, and love.

Bob's greatest joy was being with his family and he prioritized time with them above all else-whether it was family vacations, holiday celebrations, or simple weekends spent together at home. He was endlessly proud of his daughter, son, and son-in-law, and nothing brought him more joy than watching his grandsons grow and thrive. You could always find him at the ballfield, cheering on his son, Robbie, and in later years, his grandsons, Jack and Sam. After every game, he loved reliving each moment, whether it was a big hit or a small detail. Bob never missed a chance to support the ones he loved.

Bob was a man of quiet strength, compassion, and conviction. His word was his bond-he said what he meant and meant what he said. He had an unmatched ability to solve problems calmly and logically, offering wisdom that friends and family relied on. Those closest to him often joked that he was "always right," and time proved that he usually was.

A natural athlete, Bob's love of sports continued throughout his life. He dabbled in tennis during the 1980s but ultimately devoted himself to golf, playing regularly with friends and collecting scorecards from courses across the Southeast. He was fortunate to attend The Masters several times, and those trips remained among his favorite memories.

Lake Harding was his sanctuary. For more than twenty years, his lake cabin was a place of peace and laughter, and in recent years, he cherished the time spent at his daughter Lauren's lake house. He could sit for hours fishing with his grandsons, swapping stories from his younger days, and soaking in the quiet beauty around them. Simple things made him happiest-like a bologna sandwich and a cold bottle of root beer by the water.

Bob was a lifelong college football fan through and through, faithfully cheering for both his beloved Alabama Crimson Tide and Georgia Bulldogs every Saturday. He spent hours checking news and researching players. Game days were sacred-he'd settle in, watch all the games, and trade good-natured debates with his family about calls, players, and rivalries. Alabama, he liked to joke, "gave him too much stress," but he never missed a game. Football wasn't just a pastime for him-it was a passion that brought him joy, excitement, and connection with the people he loved most.

Bob's sense of humor was as big as his heart. He loved political comedy, witty impersonations, and sharp satire, often laughing hardest when life's ironies were laid bare. His joyful and contagious laughter was unforgettable and brightened the lives of those around him.

He was also a lover of music, particularly Bob Dylan, Tom Petty and Jackson Browne. He didn't just know their lyrics; he understood their meaning and loved sharing their songs with those he cared about. Seeing Bob Dylan perform live was one of his favorite experiences and he proudly kept the tickets as a souvenir.

Bob enjoyed movies and old Westerns, often relaxing with one as part of his daily routine. He also valued his traditions-like his daily lunches with his brother David, where they discussed work, life, and which local restaurant had the best meal of the day.

A lover of good food, he delighted in home cooking, sweets, popcorn at the ballfield, and bringing treats to his wife and grandchildren. He knew all the best restaurants in Columbus, and loved to take his family to eat out.

Bob was a man of deep generosity. He was the definition of a Good Samaritan -always ready to help others, quietly giving without expecting anything in return. He dedicated his life to caring for others through his work, his friendships, and his unwavering support of family.

He adored animals, especially his cats, both at home and at the office, who brought him comfort and companionship. He never missed a chance to take one in and shower it with love (and treats).

Bob will be remembered as a loving husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle, and friend. He was known for his kindness, humor, and wisdom, and for finding joy in life's simple moments. His love for his family was steadfast, and his legacy will live on through the memories, laughter, and lessons he leaves behind.

Bob was preceded in death by his parents Helen and James Malcom Snipes, and nephews Kristopher Snipes and Malcolm Snipes.

He leaves behind a family who loved him deeply and who felt his unconditional love every day, along with countless friends and clients who will never forget his strong, witty, and generous spirit. His legacy will live on through the memories and traditions he nurtured.

He is survived by his wife Tracy, his daughter Lauren Freiberg (John), his son Robbie Snipes, his grandsons Jack and Sam Freiberg, his brothers David Snipes (Robin) and Malcolm Snipes (Marty), and his brother-in-law Scott Brannen (Dana). He is also survived by his nieces and nephews Ashley Brown (Kenny), Aaryn Snipes, Alex Flournoy (Frank), Amber Weeks (Rich), Cody Snipes, Jessica Brannen, and McKenzie Brannen; many great-nieces and nephews, extended family, and lifelong friends who loved him dearly.

In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to your local animal shelter in Bob's memory, honoring his love and compassion for animals.